YEA-V Chair Blog - July 2008

The 25 Year anniversary watch – A thing of the past?

Welcome young engineers to the first blog from your new 2008/2009 committee chairs – Phillip Vrettakis and William Gielewski! William and I will deliver a piece monthly throughout the year to spark interest and debate from members – so if you have any comments – we’re listening!

With the annual YEA-V Generation Exchange dinner only weeks away, I’ve put forward the following piece to prompt the question –

Does today’s generation have the same desires in employment as those of their forefathers?

As I looked through my fathers significant collection of long service awards, savvy crystal mugs and the inaugural 25 year watch over the weekend, I couldn’t help but wonder if I – let alone many Gen-X and Gen-Ys will ever acquire such an arrangement. With the ever increasing demand for high-calibre professionals – Will company loyalty become a thing of the past? Graduates and young professionals are becoming ever savvy in their choice of employer and are not afraid to ask “What’s in it for me?” during an interview. Naturally, most baby boomers wouldn’t be so receptive of such a point of order – Or would they? As I hear of many firms now offering massages during work time, daily fresh fruit, volunteer time, overseas secondment opportunities, flexi time – It begs the question – What will it take to keep YOU?

It seems that remuneration in a monetary sense is no longer enough to keep our young stars loyal for 25, 15 or even 10 years. And I will even dare suggest that a great work environment will always win over a slightly better annual rate. Today’s young professions are strong purveyors of a sensible work/life balance and know they are spending nearly 3 quarters of their year at work! I think most of you would agree that a happy environment is a productive one. So, is there a life for the baby-boomer inspired 60 hour week, taking work home, cancelling trips to close a project? Will phrases such as “It’s my way or the highway” and “The beatings will continue until morale improves” be a thing of the past? If there is any chance of keeping the 25 year watch alive – I certainly hope so!

Phillip Vrettakis
YEA-V Co-Chair

Comments

[Tony]

It is quite tough these days because many engineering firms are growing and there is an increasing strong demand for engineers. Many companies have so much to offer and it is quite confusing and tough to make a decision on the spot for young engineers. I believe that it ultimately comes down to company culture, technical resources and the types of projects that are won. But then it is quite hard to find this sort of information unless you have worked or done some experience with a firm.

[Andrew]

Having just accepted a job from a large company for my first full time grad position I made my choice based on a few factors. 1) Renumeration, 2)Location will I sit in traffic each day, or be able to ride my bicycle into work (5 mins), 3) Hours, do I get paid extra for overtime and 4) Enjoyment - comes down to company culture and being able to apply my uni knowledge in my job - not just organising subcontractors all day. I'm fairly confident the job i've accepted fullfils all of my pre-reqs.

Cheers